Southland Region is located at the southernmost tip of New Zealand's South Island, where pristine nature, wildlife, peaceful pastures, and glaciers harmonize. This area has a relatively small population and is less developed, preserving its natural state, offering a unique landscape that combines dense forests, lakes, mountainous areas, and vast plains. Some of New Zealand's most beautiful fiords, including **Milford Sound** and **Doubtful Sound**, are located here, making it a popular destination for travelers who love nature and wildlife. The region is well-known as a tourist spot where visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.

1. Pristine Nature and Wildlife Habitat

   The Southland region is a habitat for diverse wildlife, making it an excellent place to observe marine creatures such as dolphins, seals, and penguins. Pristine nature is well preserved in places like Fiordland National Park, where majestic mountainous terrain, forests, lakes, and coastlines harmonize, making it a top ecological tourism destination.

2. Fiord Landscapes and Marine Environment

   This area boasts New Zealand’s representative fiord landscapes. Especially Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound offer breathtaking views where sea and mountains blend, attracting many tourists with the spectacular transition from sea to fiord. In the fiord landscapes, visitors can experience the beauty of the sea and mountains through boat tours, kayaking, and trekking.

3. Center for Fishing and Seafood

   The Southland region is also famous for fishing and seafood. Thanks to abundant marine resources, high-quality seafood can be enjoyed, with fresh oysters, salmon, and fish being popular. In particular, the Bluff area is well known for its premium oysters.

4. A Paradise for Trekking and Nature Exploration

   Fiordland National Park is home to New Zealand’s most popular trekking routes, including world-renowned tracks such as the Milford Track, Routeburn Track, and Kepler Track. Visitors can enjoy various landscapes and experience nature up close.

1. Invercargill

   The central city of the Southland region and a major city at the southernmost tip of New Zealand. Invercargill is the economic and cultural hub of the southern region, characterized by wide, flat streets and Victorian-style architecture. The city has a developed fishing and seafood industry, and there are several nearby beaches and parks where visitors can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and tourism.

2. Bluff

   A small coastal town located south of Invercargill, well known for New Zealand's famous seafood, especially Bluff Oysters. This place is famous for fishing and seafood cuisine, and at Sterling Point, you can see the 'South Point Sign' symbolizing the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean, open towards Antarctica.

3. Te Anau

   A village that serves as the gateway to Fiordland National Park and a base for exploring the fiords. It is a small town centered around Lake Te Anau, attracting many visitors who want to enjoy fiords and trekking. Te Anau is conveniently located for traveling to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, and is well equipped with various accommodations and amenities.

1. Milford Sound

   One of the most famous fjords in New Zealand, it is a world-renowned tourist destination where majestic mountains, clear seas, and waterfalls come together. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the fjord through boat tours or helicopter tours, and encounter various wildlife such as dolphins and seals. Milford Sound is a must-visit course for many tourists every year due to its beautiful natural scenery.

2. Doubtful Sound

   A fjord that is wider and deeper than Milford Sound, it boasts a tranquil atmosphere while preserving its natural state. Doubtful Sound has relatively fewer tourists, making it ideal for enjoying peaceful nature, and you can observe various marine animals and birds. You can explore the fjord by boat tours and kayak tours, and it is famous for its beautiful scenery.

3. Lake Te Anau & Te Anau Glowworm Caves

   The largest lake in the Southland region, it is a place where you can appreciate the beautiful nature of Fiordland National Park. Especially, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a famous spot where you can see glowing glowworms inside the caves. You can take a boat into the cave and enjoy the mysterious light of the glowworms.

4. Routeburn Track

   A trekking course connecting Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park, it is one of New Zealand’s representative Great Walks. The Routeburn Track passes through dense forests and alpine terrain, offering various landscapes, and the trail, which lasts about 3 days, is very popular among trekking enthusiasts.

5. Milford Track

   A world-famous trekking course, it is a 4-day journey crossing Fiordland National Park to reach Milford Sound. The Milford Track boasts beautiful natural scenery combining dense forests, lakes, and waterfalls, and is considered one of New Zealand’s most famous trekking courses. It is a popular course that requires advance reservation.

6. Bluff Sterling Point

   One of the southernmost points of New Zealand, it is where the ‘South Point Signpost’ is located. This signpost indicates the directions and distances to New Zealand, Antarctica, and major cities around the world, attracting many tourists who come to take photos. The Bluff area is famous for oysters and seafood, making it a great place to enjoy fresh seafood.

7. The Catlins Coast

   Located on the border of the Southland and Otago regions, the Catlins Coast is a beautiful natural attraction where waterfalls, coastal cliffs, and beaches come together. Especially, the Catlins has several tourist spots such as McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, and Nugget Point, making it popular among nature lovers. In this area, you can closely observe penguins, seals, and various marine creatures.